Former Sens forward Mika Zibanejad pays tribute to Nicholle Anderson

Mika Zibanejad, the first round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2011 and a fan favourite during his time here, was traded to New York over the summer— but he’s still sticking up for his former teammates.

On Monday, he posted to Instagram and Twitter a shot of himself holding a sign saying “I fight for Nicholle Anderson,” the wife of Sens goalie Craig Anderson who was just diagnosed with cancer.

After watching the highlights from Sunday’s NHL games, Cam Ward was applauding.

He applauded Craig Anderson for his courage and focus in shutting out Edmonton after recently learning his wife Nicholle has cancer. And he applauded Oilers goalie Cam Talbot, for applauding Anderson.

“I think he was just showing respect for what (Anderson) must be going through,” Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes veteran netminder, said Tuesday morning at Canadian Tire Centre. “That shows a lot of character for him, too.

“We’re in this altogether. There’s only two goaltenders on every team. There’s only a select few who get the opportunity to play this game in the NHL. We respect one another.”

Talbot, the game’s second star, joined Oilers fans in giving Anderson a loud ovation as he skated on to the ice as the first star of Ottawa’s 2-0 victory. Who better than another goalie to appreciate how hard it was for Anderson to stay completely zoned-in for the 37-save performance, right?

“I can’t even imagine it,” said Ward. “I can’t even put myself in his shoes, what he must be going through. To be able to put the gear on, and go out and play a hard two and a half hours, and put that aside, is something very difficult.

“It’s inspirational at the same time. To see the way that he performed in Edmonton, you can’t help but give him props.”

On Friday night, Binghamton Senators goalie Matt O’Connor was called up to be Chris Driedger’s back up in the Oilers game. His flights from Syracuse to Toronto to Edmonton proved to be unnecessary when Nicholle insisted her husband rejoin the team.

O’Connor was thrilled to make the journey, nonetheless.

“It was really special to be a part of Andy’s shutout,” O’Connor said Tuesday. “It was something I’ll probably remember forever. And practising, helping him get ready in pre-game skate, take some shots here and there.

“And then watching that amazing performance from the press box. It was quite a fun little trip … very emotional.”

DZINGEL CAN RELATE TO ANDERSON’S PAIN

The game puck from Sunday’s 2-0 shutout of the Edmonton Oilers was presented to Craig Anderson, with instructions — give it to your wife.

“Definitely, she’s the one that has the biggest battle,” coach Guy Boucher said Tuesday morning. “She was the one that told her husband, ‘you’ve got to go.’”

The visitors dressing room at Rogers Place in Edmonton was filled with emotion following the victory. Tears shed by Anderson were also in the eyes of his teammates.

“Words can’t describe it,” said veteran Chris Kelly. “It was game eight of the season, but I know it’s something I won’t forget in my hockey career.”

Neither will Ryan Dzingel.

The Senators winger was choked up with feelings for Anderson that night, in large part because he knew exactly what his teammate was going through.

Two years ago, on an 11-hour bus ride to play hockey in northern Michigan, Dzingel was informed his dad had throat cancer.

“Just the uncertainly is the worst part,” said Dzingel. “I told (Anderson) there’s always hope, no matter what. And that if he needs anything, I’ll be there.”

Dzingel said his dad, Rick, is now in remission.

Sunday’s game provided a valuable lesson for Dzingel, who is starting a season in the NHL for the first time.

“In the AHL it’s a lot about yourself, and what you can do, and your numbers,” said Dzingel. “And (in Edmonton), it was just flat out caring about each other and about him.

“Guys are playing for money, myself included, you’re playing for numbers and for the team to win. But at the same time, you’re playing for somebody, you’re playing for your family, you’re playing for your wives, and ultimately, that’s what you’re doing it for.

“It’s incredible to finally realize what you’re actually doing it for. It was just a special, special day for everybody.”

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